Sendoffs set for Iowa Guard soldiers

This week, family and friends will say their goodbyes to 310 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers that are bound for Iraq. Members of the 1133rd and 1168th Transportation Companies will report to Fort Bliss, Texas for training shortly after Thursday’s public sendoff ceremonies.

Guard spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Greg Hapgood says just under half of the soldiers were involved in a previous deployment to Iraq nearly four years ago. Both units spent 12 months in Iraq between 2003 and 2004. Hapgood expects the soldiers will have a much different experience this time around.

"Probably what the soldiers will find most different about their first deployment is the security environment is greatly improved," Hapgood said. Five communities across the state will host the sendoff ceremonies on Thursday.

They’ll take place at various times in Audubon, Iowa City, Mason City, Perry and Marshalltown.